Following a pivotal agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to restore state control over key oil fields and border crossings, the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) held a press conference at the Omar oil field in Deir Ezzor. The conference, led by SPC Executive Director Yusuf Qablawi, focused on assessing the condition of oil wells recently returned to state authority and outlining plans to rehabilitate and boost production.
SPC Details Plans for Recovered Fields
Qablawi confirmed the oil fields recovered by the military in the Jazeera region will be developed using national engineering and technical expertise, in cooperation with local and foreign companies. He stressed that the oil and gas sector has entered a new phase, one expected to play a central role in supporting national reconstruction.
Highlighting the importance of Omar field, Qablawi described it as one of Syria’s most vital oil assets. He revealed that the SPC is currently negotiating a final settlement with its former operator, Shell, to complete the legal transfer of ownership to the Syrian state.
Prior to its seizure by terrorist groups, Omar field produced approximately 50,000 barrels per day. Today, production does not exceed 5,000 barrels per day, largely due to primitive and unsafe extraction methods used over recent years. In response, the SPC has prepared a comprehensive rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring the field to international operational standards and raising output to between 40,000 and 50,000 barrels a day.
Handover of Oil Fields
Qablawi stated that the SPC has already begun receiving control of several major fields, including al-Azba, Omar, Jafra, Tanak, and Thawra. The handover process is being carried out in stages.
Specialized technical teams have started drafting detailed operational and rehabilitation plans, including damage assessments, production timelines, and infrastructure needs, to ensure the fields return to service with the highest possible efficiency.
Foreign Investment Interest and Economic Recovery Prospects
Qablawi revealed growing interest from American energy companies, including Chevron and ConocoPhillips, in investing in Syria’s oil and gas sector. Reflecting this momentum, the SPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ConocoPhillips in November to develop existing gas fields and initiate exploration for new reserves.
The restoration of direct state management over these strategic resources is expected to significantly enhance production capacity and lay the groundwork for a future export phase. As a result, the oil and gas sector is poised to become a cornerstone of Syria’s economic recovery, reinforcing broader efforts to consolidate national stability, territorial unity, and long-term development.
